On Friday afternoon, several areas of Al Ain were pummeled by heavy rain and hailstorms, creating havoc in the city. Social media videos showcased uprooted trees and flooded streets, prompting authorities to issue weather alerts for residents and motorists to avoid valleys and water bodies.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the region experienced moderate to heavy rain with hailstones as a surface low-pressure system from the east combined with a weak upper air low-pressure system, resulting in the sudden downpour.
Khatam Al Shukla, Um Ghafa, and Foah experienced light to medium rain, while Malaqet and Al Hayer in Al Ain witnessed heavy rain along with hailstones. The NCM reported that the lowest temperature recorded on Friday was 25.3°C in Al Farfar area in Fujairah at 7:45 am, while the highest temperature reached 49°C in Azimul, Al Ain, at 2:45 pm the same day.
The Abu Dhabi Police cautioned drivers to be careful due to rainy weather conditions and reduced the speed limit to 120 km/h on Al Ain – Dubai Road (Al Hayer – Al Faqaa) to ensure safety.
Looking ahead, the NCM predicts temperatures in the range of 33-47°C across different regions on Saturday, with weather conditions expected to be generally fair to partly cloudy. Some convective clouds may form over eastern and southern areas, which could be associated with rain.
Humidity is expected during the night and morning in specific coastal areas. The winds will be light to moderate, blowing dust during daytime at a speed of 10 – 25 km/hr, and the waves will be slight in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Sea of Oman.
On Sunday, the weather is anticipated to remain fair to partly cloudy, with similar conditions expected on Monday. The NCM advises caution while driving during rainfall and staying away from flooded areas. Authorities are closely monitoring the weather developments to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the UAE.
As the weather remains dynamic, individuals are urged to stay informed about the latest weather alerts and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties during adverse weather conditions.